We left Verona and travelled South for our next stop which is to be in Monteriggioni near Sienna. Soon the landscape changed and we could see rolling hills and vineyards, quite beautiful. Around 3 hours later and we arrived at the hill top village of San Gimignano for a brief stop over. The temperature had risen to 20 degrees at its hottest which was delightful and unexpected. San Gimignano is a tourist magnet in the summer so it was a treat to visit out of season without the hoards of visitors. From afar, San Gimignano looks like a town from a Renaissance painting with its 15 medieval towers (once numbered 72). The narrow streets are lined with tourist shops selling shoes, bags, jewellery and pottery (which I managed to resist!). The boys enjoyed 'award winning' gelato whilst Nick and I drank delicious coffee in the square.
After a short drive and we reached the 'argiturismo Le Gallozzole' which has a small collection of apartments set on a working vineyard producing olive oil and wine. We were greeted by the lovely Guido who showed us round and told us we were the only guests staying this week so we have the place to ourselves. We purchased a couple of bottles of local wine and sat on our patio as the sun set over the vines, quite breathtaking. This place really is beautiful and feels like a real retreat in contrast to the apartment in bustling Verona. Feeling very relaxed and after perhaps a little too much wine, I know I will sleep well tonight! Tomorrow Siena.
Diane
Go it Reuben! Did you eat both of those ice creams? Gorgeous pictures. Say hello to Sienna for us.
ReplyDeleteWe loved Siena but decided to have a break from gelato (but we did have rather nice macarons instead!) x
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